Peter Sorokan

1933 - 2024

It is with great sadness that the Sorokan family announces the death of its patriarch, Peter, who passed away from natural, post-operative causes on December 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. at his beloved home in Ottawa. Peter Sorokan, world traveller, was born and raised in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he received his primary and secondary schooling. The Saskatoon Teacher’s College certified him as a teacher, and he taught for two years. He was a cadet and subsequently attended military training for officers at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, B.C., for one year, where he was provided with a firm foundation for his career and character. He studied law and obtained his LL.B. from the University of Saskatchewan. He articled with a prominent Regina law firm, and after his Call to the Bar, he practiced law and then joined the Federal Department of Justice, in Ottawa. On December 29, 1988, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, designated him ‘’One of Her Counsel Learned in the Law’’ (QC). In June, 2012, the Law Society of Saskatchewan awarded him an Honorary Life Membership. Adored husband of Dr. Kati Lyon-Villiger, much loved father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and great uncle, volunteer, colleague and friend to many. He wrote There Was an Endless Sky, a book about his native Saskatchewan, dedicated to his three children: Natasha Christine, Lisa Marie, and Peter David, and to his four grandchildren: Nicholas, Katie, Drew, and Ryan, and to their children and succeeding generations. It was published in the United States in 2015 and distributed throughout the world. He loved their Victorian home and garden on Hawk Crescent for 45 years and enjoyed their tudor-style cottage on Lake Chauncey in Quebec. There in the foothills of the Laurentians, they spent many peaceful and interesting hours, reading and writing, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and riding, swimming and boating, but above all enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbours, and their funny, loyal, and ever-present dachshunds.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, Ottawa. A traditional funeral mass and service will take place at the old Saint Patrick’s Basilica, 220 Kent Street, Ottawa, at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Peter’s service may also be viewed live or for replay at https://fweb.tv/162942 The family will receive friends immediately after church services. Interment of ashes will take place later at Notre Dame Cemetery, 455 chemin Montréal Road, Section 66, Lot 45, Ottawa.